Hire Terms:

Lake Macquarie Boat Hire must be contacted and made aware of any emergency situation or incident onboard or linked to the vessel as soon as possible. For any life-threatening emergencies, please call 000 first.

The person listed on the booking form is responsible for all occupants and their actions. As the hirer, you are the skipper — you are responsible.

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your date. Please refer to our cancellation policy for full details.

A refundable security bond is payable on the day of hire prior to departure.

  • Day Tripper BBQ Pontoon: $1000

  • 4.5m Dory: $500

The bond will be refunded in full following a satisfactory inspection of the returned vessel, provided no damage has occurred and the vessel has been returned on time and in a reasonable condition.

Vessel hire is for recreational purposes only. Commercial use is only permitted with prior written approval from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire. Breach of this condition may void the insurance policy, and the hirer will be fully liable for any damage or loss.

For capacity purposes, each person, regardless of age, counts as one whole person.

Hirers must check in and be ready to board the vessel at least 15 minutes prior to their booked start time. Additional time will not be given for late arrivals.

The vessel will be provided at the start of the hire period with a full tank of fuel. Upon return, you will be charged for fuel usage.

The vessel must remain well clear of all other vessels and wharves during the hire period. The vessel is not to be beached, run ashore, or approach any shoreline. No persons may be picked up or dropped off during the hire period except in an emergency or with prior approval from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire.

All persons 12 years of age or under must wear a lifejacket at all times. A safety briefing will be delivered before departure. The person in charge must be present for this briefing and is required to enforce all rules and safety guidelines for the duration of the hire.

Boat Licence:

A boat licence is not required to hire the Day Tripper BBQ Pontoon.

A valid boat licence is required to hire the 4.5m Dory. The licence must be presented at the time of check-in. The vessel must be operated at all times by the holder of a current, valid boat licence as listed on the booking form. All other NSW maritime licensing rules apply.

Cancellation Policy & Bad Weather:

Your safety is our priority. If we determine that conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for use of the vessel, your booking will be postponed or cancelled and a refund will be applied.

If you decide not to proceed with your booking, the following cancellation policy applies:

  • Cancellations notified 30 or more days prior to the hire date → full refund

  • Cancellations notified 8–29 days prior to the hire date → 50% refund

  • Cancellations notified less than 7 days prior to the hire date → no refund

  • No-shows → no refund

Please note: cancellations due to rain alone do not qualify for a refund or reschedule. Monitoring weather conditions ahead of your hire is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure the safety of all persons onboard.

If Lake Macquarie Boat Hire cancels your booking on the day of hire due to severe weather conditions, your booking will be either rescheduled to an alternative date or a full refund will be processed.

Return Conditions:

Return times are strictly monitored. A late return fee of $75 per hour applies to 4.5m Dory and $175 per hour applies to Day Tripper for vessels not returned on time, unless prearranged. The hirer must pay any penalty notices issued by any authority during the hire period. The hirer is responsible for any damage or losses caused to the vessel or equipment during the hire period.

The vessel must be returned in a reasonable, clean condition. Additional cleaning fees may apply for vessels not returned in a reasonable state.

Toilet (Day Tripper BBQ Pontoon only): Only human waste and toilet paper may be used in the onboard toilet. Placing any other items in the toilet - including rubbish, baby wipes, nappies, or hygiene products may result in a cleaning fee of up to $500. The onboard sink is for hand washing and food preparation only. No bait or food waste is to be washed down the sink.

Insurance:

All boats are fully insured under a marine policy. In the event of an accident where the hirer is at fault and extensive damage occurs, the hirer will be held responsible for the insurance excess of $1,000. In the event of minor damage, the security bond may be withheld to cover the cost of repairs.

Activities such as water skiing and towing persons on a tube are not permitted under this hire agreement and will void insurance cover.

Alcohol & Drugs:

It is an offence to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The blood alcohol limit for operating a vessel in NSW is 0.05 (or 0.00 if under 18) the same as for driving a car. NSW Police and Maritime Officers regularly patrol Lake Macquarie waterways and random breath testing does occur. Heavy penalties, including imprisonment, apply for operators found to be over the limit.

Hirer Declaration:

The Hirer acknowledges and accepts that the use and operation of the vessel is subject to inherent risks and dangers. The Hirer accepts those risks and agrees to indemnify Lake Macquarie Boat Hire and the Owner of the Vessel for any losses suffered by the Hirer, any passengers, or any third parties as a result of the materialisation of those risks and dangers. The Hirer also undertakes to advise all passengers of the risks and dangers associated with the use and operation of the vessel prior to boarding. The Hirer acknowledges and understands all safety material and briefings that have been presented.

By proceeding with a booking, the Hirer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and have made themselves familiar with the safety management plan and safety equipment onboard the vessel. The Hirer is responsible for all occupants complying with all conditions. Confirmation and sighting of the Hirer's identification (valid driver's licence) will be required at the time of check-in.

Permitted Area of Operation:

The vessel is restricted to certain approved areas of operation within Lake Macquarie. Failure to operate within the designated boundaries may result in loss of your security bond.

Exceptions to the approved area of operation may be considered for special requests only, with prior approval granted in writing by Lake Macquarie Boat Hire. Please notify us at the time of booking if you wish to take the vessel outside the standard area.

A map of the permitted operating area will be provided during your safety briefing. All vessels are fitted with a GPS tracking system.

Please keep in mind that the vessel must be returned prior to the end of your booked hire time. The lake is large, and it can take significant time to travel back from distant areas, please plan accordingly.

Terms and Conditions.

Contact:

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please get in touch before your hire date.